Test stars join Aus A coaching ranks

Three noted stars of the Baggy Green will take the helm when the next generation tour South Africa later this winter

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Former Test stars Jason Gillespie, Brad Haddin and Chris Rogers will share coaching duties for Australia A's tour of South Africa later this year.

Gillespie, formerly Yorkshire's coach who is currently working with English county side Kent and also at the helm of the Adelaide Strikers, will take the head coach role while former Ashes teammates Haddin and Rogers will be his assistants.

The tour in July and August will feature at least six matches for the Australia A side, including two four-day matches against South Africa A and four round-robin matches in a one-day tri-series against South Africa A and India A.

"It's extremely pleasing to have three quality people in Jason, Chris and Brad on-board to guide the Australia A squad in their upcoming Tour of South Africa," said Pat Howard, Cricket Australia's Executive General Manager, Team Performance.

"All three have significant experience as players, in varying conditions across the world over their lengthy careers, which will no doubt be invaluable for the players touring with this squad.

"A number of Australia A representatives in 2016, including the likes of Peter Handscomb, Hilton Cartwright and Chris Tremain, made their international debuts during the 2016-17 season, and we believe this coaching panel will help develop more cricketers ready to push for an international debut or a return to international ranks."

Haddin and Rogers, who both retired from Test cricket in 2015, have both stated their desire to explore a coaching career post-playing.

"While the squad has yet to be named, it will no doubt feature some of the country's most talented players, and players challenging for the opportunity to play international cricket for Australia," Gillespie said.

"This tour will provide those players with the chance to push their claims for those opportunities, and to experience a really high standard of competition and life on the road.

"It's a really exciting time to be involved in Australian cricket, and I can't wait to join up with the squad and head to South Africa."

Australia A tour of South Africa

Four-day matches

12 July – 15 July: Australia A v South Africa A at Tukkies

19 July – 22 July: Australia A v South Africa A at Senwes Park

One-day tri-series

26 July: Australia A v India A at Tukkies

30 July: Australia A v South Africa A at Groenkloof

1 August: Australia A v India A at Tukkies

5 August: Australia A v South Africa A at Tukkies

8 August: Tri Series Final at Tukkies

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Cricket Australia.